Giants Projected Picks Rounds 1-7

GIANTS Projected Draft Picks

Round 1: Anthony Castonzo, OT, Boston College

HT: 6' 7"  WT: 311lbs

There is no question that the Giants need to address their aging offensive line. Castonzo is one of the most athletic offensive linemen in the draft, but still possesses the strength, footwork, and aggressiveness to be an effective run blocker. He is a smart player and should be able to step in right away and make an impact. 

Round 2: Bruce Carter, OLB, North Carolina

HT: 6' 2"  WT: 241lbs

The Giants have had quite a bit of luck when drafting players out of North Carolina. (Lawrence Taylor, Hakeem Nicks) Carter tore his ACL toward the end of the college season, but before he did, he was one of five finalists for the Butkus Award. Carter started virtually every game in his college career, and has an interception for a TD in each of the last two seasons. He is aggressive, explosive, and versatile. He can cover, stuff the run, rush the quarterback, and even block kicks. (6 blocked punts and 1 blocked field goal) If he hadn't torn his ACL, he very likely would have been a top 20 pick. Carter could end up being a huge steal, and will fill a major void at the OLB position that the Giants have failed to effectively address for several years.

10 Things I am Thinking About Following the Combine

As much as you know you shouldn't put too much stock in the combine, you find yourself glued to the television like it was an episode of the Jersey Shore. (Let's not pretend that you don't watch that trainwreck too) More than ever before, the NFL Draft has become the most captivating event because of the impending possibility of a long, drawn out CBA negotiation, this might be the one and only NFL event we can hold onto for quite some time. In addition, with free agency on hold, this is the only hope our teams have of improving their rosters any time soon. So like I said, I know I shouldn't put a lot of stock in the combine...but...

10 Things I am Thinking About Following the Combine:

1:  After watching Cam Newton throw out-routes at the combine, I couldn't help but think he was trying to hit Chan Gailey in the face while he sat in the crowd in an effort to try to deter the Bills from drafting him. Why else would he throw the ball 50 yds over the recievers' head?


2:  I know there are many Giants fans ranting and raving about Martez Wilson right now. Before you get too excited about his blazing fast 4.49 40 time he posted at the combine watch some film on him:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wCcIIuMGi2M&feature=related

You'll find yourself asking...where did the speed go? Oh, and when "Mister Softie" "attempts" to take on blocks...not impressed


3:  On the opposite end of the spectrum was Greg Jones, MLB, Michigan St.  I had very high hopes for him, love his film, toughness, and on the field production...then he shows up at the combine and tanks (4.7 40 time, and merely above average in other events) In the end, I think Greg Jones will be a better football player than Wilson and I feel that all this will do is drop him down to a 3rd or 4th round pick which will only help the Giants in the end


4:  Was the combine in Miami this year, or does Todd McShay get spray tanned between every shoot? And where was Mel and his perfectly quaffed hair doo? Mel Kiper is still the man...One of the only reasons I still watch ESPN over NFL Network on draft day


5:  Wow was Akeem Ayers slow! If Jim Burt ran the 40 with a refridgerator strapped to his back he would have beat Ayers. Ayers ran a 4.8 40 on Sunday...that will probably knock him out of the first round. He looked as if he would have been the perfect fit for the Jets, but with that kind of speed, they mind as well have kept Vernon Gholston


6:  I wasn't too high on Kris O'Dowd after he got abused at the senior bowl practices, but after his showing at the combine, he is back on my radar. Plus you have to love his character:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fZwd2__ahMY&feature=related

I would definitely take a 3rd or 4th round flyer on him


7:  I am going to be extremely upset if the Cowboys trade up and take Patrick Peterson...this kid is going to be the next elite lockdown corner in this league. In my opinion, he is the best player in this draft.


8:  What are the Jets going to do with their 1st round pick? I liked Ayers and he runs a 4.8...I liked Rahim Moore and he runs a  4.7...I liked Justin Houston, but he probably won't fall that far....now what? Any suggestions? Muhammed Wilkerson anyone?


9:  Carson Palmer has $80,000,000 in the bank? I know that guy makes a ton of money, but $80 million....really? How did he manage to save that kind of money?  Does he live in a cardboard box? Live on Ramen noodles?


10: All I kept hearing was excuses as to why the most elite QB's in college football couldn't hit a wr running against air..."they are throwing to guys they aren't familiar with"...If I took Jeff George and dropped him off in the middle of the field from a helicopter like a scene out of a vietnam movie, handed him a football, and told him to hit some mid-round WR prospect on a seam route, he would more than likely drill him in the face...Why can't anyone seem to hit the broadside of a barn at this combine? I think Charlie Sheen could have completed one of those out routes Cam Newton threw into the stands. Is it me, or is this qb class extremely overrated because of the desperate need for qb's in this draft? 
   

-Augie Tieri